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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Jaipur 2017 with FTLOFAOT

What started off as an assignment to head to Jaipur for the Jaipur Jewellery Design Festival (an offshoot of the Jaipur Jewellery Show) turned into a trip that was as much about stunning jewellery as it was about digging into our heritage via Jaipur. I cannot remember a time when I wasn't obsessed with Rajasthan. While amongst the first few things to strike me was the most genuine hospitality of the people, it was followed suit by the structures and monuments of the state. The magical sand dunes of Rajasthan carry with them the heritage and a legion of traditions. Also unmatched is the richness and the sheer wholesomeness of their food and never have I made a trip to Rajasthan where I did not overeat at almost every meal (honest to God the only time it's not a bad thing to overeat).I spent a large part of time in Jaipur this time in the old city where I went to the Anokhi block printing museum, the step wells right next to it and just soaked in the vast repository of art and skills Jaipur has to offer. I went into time and tapped into the history of block printing as it stands in Jaipur and worked with the artisans at the museum to learn the procedure of making a block and then printing with the same. Sure made me realise that 2018 sure has to be the year of picking up more skills, honing my creative bent of mind to learn different forms of art, maybe even pick a few hobbies. Not saying I've painted a self portrait a la Van Gogh yet but I've been venturing into the kitchen and whipping up a few things I have fancied and longed to learn. And of course, needless to say the Jaipur Jewellery Design Festival did not disappoint. Having always looked at jewellery from a consumer's perspective, it was the most novel experience to understand it from a design perspective. I also had the honour of speaking at a very inspiring panel in Jaipur about my life as a successful blogger, the impact of social media on everything, including fashion and jewellery. And if you thought museum hopping and bling appreciating is all I did this trip, then think again because I also got transported into a Wes Anderson-eque set (somewhere between The Darjeeling Limited and the Grand Budapest Hotel) on entering the Sujan Rajmahal Palace, on this particular trip. It was truly a delight for all my senses and I almost feel glad that we couldn't shoot there since it gives me a bigger incentive to go back and stay at this uber luxurious property (all forming a part of my big, idealistic and slightly cliche plan of 'let us travel the world' with the boy).Carrying forward from my Jaipur trip, 2018 should hopefully be a year of more travel for me. More experiences, lesser regrets. Saying No to what disturbs my peace of mind and yes to whatever enriches my soul and just largely, broadens my horizons and challenges my perspectives in life. More meeting new people, giving everyone a chance and a lot more time with the friends and family who have always been around. I'd raise a self mulled glass of wine to that. You would know what I mean if you follow me on instagram.